RFK Jr.'s Nomination Just Got a Shot in the Arm

Summary

Summary of "RFK Jr.'s Nomination Just Got a Shot in the Arm" | The Journal

Released on February 4, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Journal, hosts Kate Linebaugh and Liz Esley White delve into the recent developments surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The episode provides an in-depth analysis of Kennedy's political journey, his platform, the Senate hearings, and the implications of his potential confirmation.

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RFK Jr.'s Path to Nomination

Background and Personal History

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emerges from America's storied Kennedy family legacy, being the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. His early life was marked by tragedy, including the assassination of his father, which led him into a prolonged battle with heroin addiction. As Liz Esley White recounts, “I was a heroin addict for 14 years and 42 years in recovery” (03:04).

Environmental Activism and Political Shift

After overcoming addiction, Kennedy dedicated himself to environmental law, notably combating pollution in the Hudson River. His activism laid the groundwork for his entry into politics. Initially running for president as a Democrat in April 2023, Kennedy pivoted to an independent bid when it became clear he could not defeat incumbent Joe Biden.

Alliance with Donald Trump and the MAHA Movement

Facing dwindling prospects in the Democratic primary, Kennedy sought a partnership with former President Donald Trump, leading to the formation of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement. This alliance culminated in Trump endorsing Kennedy for the HHS secretary position, positioning him as a "health disruptor" with a focus on chronic disease and food safety.

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Priorities as Secretary of Health and Human Services

Upon his nomination, Kennedy outlined a bold agenda aimed at overhauling the American healthcare system:

• Chronic Disease Research: Kennedy emphasized reallocating funds to study chronic diseases and conditions like autism, stating, “I really want to have more studies on things like autism” (05:02).

• Regulation of Food Additives: He proposed stricter regulations on food dyes and ultra-processed foods, advocating for healthier dietary standards in schools. “We shouldn't be giving 60% of the kids in school processed food that is making them sick” (05:35).

Kennedy's platform resonated across the political spectrum, drawing support from both Democrats and Republicans by addressing widely recognized issues.

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Senate Hearings: Scrutiny and Controversies

Focus Areas: Abortion and Vaccines

During the Senate hearings, Kennedy faced intense scrutiny, particularly concerning his stances on abortion and vaccines.

• Abortion Stance: Republican Senator Tim Scott pressed Kennedy on his commitment to pro-life policies. Kennedy responded, “I share President Trump's view that every abortion is a tragedy” (09:35), assuring that his administration would align with Trump's policies.

• Vaccine Views: Kennedy's history of questioning vaccine safety was a focal point. He controversially stated, “There's no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective” (09:57), which was met with strong opposition from medical professionals like Senator Bill Cassidy. Cassidy recounted a personal tragedy, saying, “Cause I thought $50 of vaccines could have prevented this all” (10:40), underscoring the gravity of vaccine skepticism.

Allegations of Conspiracy Theories

Kennedy was directly challenged by senators on his credibility, with a senator questioning, “Are you a conspiracy theorist?” (07:21). Kennedy countered, “That's a pejorative, Senator. That's applied to me mainly to keep me from asking difficult questions” (07:27), defending his positions as pro-safety rather than anti-industry.

Protests and Parliamentary Disruption

The hearings were notably disrupted by protesters, reflecting the polarized views surrounding Kennedy’s nomination. Despite attempts to maintain order, the contentious atmosphere highlighted the deep divisions his appointment would entail.

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Committee Vote and Political Dynamics

Party-Line Decision

The Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to advance Kennedy's nomination. Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed support, stating, “I hope he goes wild and actually finds a way to reduce the cost of health care” (14:00), aligning with the MAHA movement’s objectives.

Critical Support from Senator Bill Cassidy

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana broke with his party by voting in favor of confirmation. He cited Kennedy’s commitments to not altering federal vaccine recommendations and ensuring congressional oversight: “These commitments and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again is the basis of my support” (14:48).

Potential Obstacles Ahead

While the committee vote clears the path to the full Senate, significant hurdles remain. Key Republican senators like Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski have not endorsed Kennedy, posing potential challenges. Cassidy’s support, however, provides a crucial vote that may influence undecided senators.

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Implications of Kennedy’s Confirmation

Bipartisan Concerns and Support

Kennedy's confirmation raises fundamental questions about the future of the HHS and public health policy in the United States. As Liz Esley White notes, “One of America's biggest skeptics of public health agencies and of scientific authorities is now in charge of those institutions” (16:31). This shift could lead to significant changes in healthcare regulations, vaccine policies, and food safety standards.

Impact on Public Health and Politics

Kennedy's potential tenure as HHS secretary symbolizes a broader political realignment, amplifying movements that prioritize alternative health perspectives and challenging established scientific consensus. His leadership could either bridge bipartisan gaps on health issues or deepen existing rifts, depending on his policy implementations and interactions with Congress.

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Conclusion

RFK Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services marks a pivotal moment in American politics, blending legacy, activism, and controversy. The Journal episode meticulously examines the multifaceted dimensions of his bid for confirmation, highlighting both support and significant opposition. As the full Senate prepares to vote, the nation watches closely, recognizing that Kennedy’s appointment could redefine the landscape of American healthcare and public health governance.

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Notable Quotes

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “I was a heroin addict for 14 years and 42 years in recovery.” (03:04)

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “We shouldn't be giving 60% of the kids in school processed food that is making them sick.” (05:35)

• Senator Tim Scott: “I will implement President Trump's policies. I share President Trump's view that every abortion is a tragedy.” (09:35)

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “There's no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective.” (09:57)

• Senator Bill Cassidy: “Cause I thought $50 of vaccines could have prevented this all.” (10:40)

• Senator Race Questioning RFK Jr.: “Are you a conspiracy theorist?” (07:21)

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “That's a pejorative, Senator. That's applied to me mainly to keep me from asking difficult questions.” (07:27)

• Senator Tim Scott: “I hope he goes wild and actually finds a way to reduce the cost of health care.” (14:00)

• Senator Bill Cassidy: “These commitments and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again is the basis of my support.” (14:48)

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Attributions

• Hosts: Kate Linebaugh and Liz Esley White
• Additional Reporting: Dominique Mossbergen and Christina Peterson
• Production: The Journal is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal.

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For more insights and detailed reporting, listen to the full episode of "RFK Jr.'s Nomination Just Got a Shot in the Arm" on Spotify.

Transcript

[Senator]

The clerk will call the roll.

[Clerk]

Mr. Grassley.

[Senator Ryan Reynolds]

Aye.

[Clerk]

Mr. Grassley. Aye dot Mr. Cornyn.

[Senator]

Aye.

[Clerk]

Mr. Cornyn. Aye dot Mr. Thune.

[Senator Ryan Reynolds]

Aye.

[Clerk]

Mr. Thune. Aye dot Mr. Scott.

[Senator Tim Scott]

Aye.

[Clerk]

Mr. Scott. Aye. Mister Cassidy.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Today on Capitol Hill, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Cleared his first major hurdle to becoming America's Chief Health Officer.

[Clerk]

Mr. Chairman. The final tally is 14 ayes, 13 a's.

[Kate Linebaugh]

His next and final test will be before the full Senate, which hasn't yet scheduled a vote. If confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy would lead a sprawling department with a budget of $1.7 trillion. The job oversees everything from making sure your lettuce doesn't carry a foodborne illness, to approving new drugs, from setting the vaccine schedule for your kids, to. To deciding how easy it is to get abortion pills. Kennedy's path so far has been incredibly tight and divided.

[Senator]

Mr. Kennedy, if confirmed, will have the opportunity to deliver much needed change to our nation's health care system.

[Senator Tim Scott]

Mr. Robert Kennedy is manifestly unqualified for the job he seeks.

[Senator]

I, for one, think that it is time to put a disruptor in. It is time to put somebody in there that's going to go wild. I believe he is singularly, unfortunately, fit.

[Kate Linebaugh]

To serve as HHS secretary. Welcome to the Journal, our show about money, business and power. I'm Kate LINEBAUGH. It's Tuesday, February 4th. Coming up on the show, the Health disruptor who wants to lead America's health system.

[Senator Ryan Reynolds]

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[Kate Linebaugh]

$45 upfront payment equivalent to $15 per month.

[Liz Esley White]

New customers on first 3 month and fees.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Extra speed slower above 40 gigabytes.

[Liz Esley White]

Details.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Kennedy comes from one of America's most famous political dynasties. His uncle was President John F. Kennedy. His dad was the former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated when RFK Jr was a young teenager. Here's our colleague, Liz Esley White.

[Liz Esley White]

And early on, after his father was killed, Kennedy sank into drug addiction.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

I was a heroin addict for 14 years and 42 years in recovery.

[Liz Esley White]

And then he was able to climb out of that. He still attends AA meetings and he became an environmental lawyer. And he fought for many years to clean up the Hudson River.

[Kate Linebaugh]

After decades of environmental activism, Kennedy announced a run for president in April of 2023 as a Democrat. But later, when it became clear he wouldn't defeat Joe Biden, he switched to running as an independent.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

I've come here today to declare our independence from the tyranny of corruption which robs us of affordable lives, our belief in the future, and our respect for each other.

[Kate Linebaugh]

He painted himself as an outsider candidate and appealed to people across the political spectrum. A lot of his platform focused on reforming the health system.

[Liz Esley White]

He taps into some, you know, very raw and real emotions in the American electorate. He also has this giant, broad appeal on a lot of these issues related to food and chronic disease. People really like what he has to say about ultra processed foods. You know, why is it so difficult to eat healthy in America?

[Kate Linebaugh]

By last summer, Kennedy's presidential hopes were fading. That's when he met with Trump to discuss bringing their camps together. Kennedy endorsed Trump, and Trump agreed he would work on one of Kennedy's main causes, fighting chronic disease. They turned their partnership into the MAHA movement, Make America healthy again. After the election, Trump put Kennedy forward for health secretary.

[Liz Esley White]

I'm going to let him go wild on health. I'm going to let him go wild on the food. I'm going to let him go wild on medicines.

[Kate Linebaugh]

In the months since his nomination, Kennedy has laid out his priorities for the role.

[Liz Esley White]

The first thing he's talked about doing is moving more money to research chronic disease. And he really does want to have more studies on things like autism. And I think he'll be able to move some federal money around to study those things in the way that he thinks they should be studied.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Kennedy has also said he would focus on regulating food additives like dyes, as well as ultra processed foods.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

We shouldn't be giving 60% of the kids in school processed food that is making them sick.

[Liz Esley White]

And why is it that certain ingredients are used in America but not in Europe? And those kinds of things appeal to both Democrats and Republicans, and people really get excited about that.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Kennedy had hoped to turn that excitement into bipartisan support for his nomination, but his qualifications have been called into question.

[Liz Esley White]

Most health secretaries, even if they aren't doctors or come with health policy experience, they have experience managing large organizations, and this organization has 80,000 employees. And Kennedy's never managed anything nearly that large. In addition, he has been a vocal critic of most of HHS's work over the last five years. I mean, we've definitely never had a health secretary as Critical of the health agency as Mr. Kennedy.

[Kate Linebaugh]

And it's not just that he's critical of the health agency. He has championed some ideas that question established science.

[Liz Esley White]

Yeah. He led a nonprofit that spent millions questioning vaccines, questioning scientists about the links between vaccines and autism and other kind of theories that scientists have said are unfounded and have looked at and study after study. But Mr. Kennedy became really powerful voice for these activists because he was already so well known.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Which brings us to the hearings last week before two Senate committees where lawmakers from both sides of the aisle asked him questions.

[Senator]

I got a real quick question for you. Are you a conspiracy theorist?

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

That is a pejorative, Senator. That's applied to me mainly to keep me from asking difficult questions. A powerful interest.

[Kate Linebaugh]

It wasn't long before things got rocky.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

News reports have claimed that I am anti vaccine or any industry. I am neither. I am pro safety.

[Liz Esley White]

We'll have order.

[Senator]

Please proceed, Mr. Kennedy.

[Kate Linebaugh]

The hearings were interrupted twice by protesters. And during the questioning, some senators assailed him for his views. Here's Colorado Democrat Michael Bennett.

[Senator]

So I'm asking you, yes or no, Mr. Kennedy. Did you say that COVID 19 was a genetically engineered bioweapon that targets black and white people but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people?

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

I didn't say it was deliberately targeted. I just. I just quoted an NIH funded and NIH published study.

[Senator]

Did you say that it targets black and white people but spared Ashkenazi?

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

I quoted a study or I quoted an NIH study.

[Kate Linebaugh]

What would you say were the big topic areas that Kennedy was probed on by the senators?

[Liz Esley White]

The two biggest topics were abortion and vaccines.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Let's start with abortion.

[Liz Esley White]

Abortion is a tricky topic for Kennedy. He really needs to allay Republican fears on that question. He needs to assure them that he isn't going to stick to his previous Democratic positions in favor of abortion rights as HHS secretary.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Here's an exchange with Republican Senator Tim Scott.

[Senator Tim Scott]

You and I had a serious conversation about the importance of life. And I'm a pro life Christian, as you know, and you said that you assured me that your deputies were going to be pro life. Is that still the case?

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

I will implement President Trump's policies. I serve at his pleasure. But I share President Trump's view that every abortion is a tragedy.

[Kate Linebaugh]

The next big topic was Kennedy's history of controversial statements on vaccines, things that are at odds with scientific consensus. He's repeated these ideas a lot in the past.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

There's no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective. Vaccines that ought to be A free choice. We should not be giving black people the same vaccine schedule that's given to.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Whites because they're Kennedy's past views on vaccines came up repeatedly, including from a Republican senator, Bill Cassidy from Louisiana.

[Senator]

So your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounding or misleading arguments concerns me.

[Kate Linebaugh]

During the hearings, Cassidy, who is a doctor, recounted how he once had a woman medevact due to a potentially fatal liver problem, a condition that he said was preventable if she'd been immunized.

[Senator]

And as she took off, it was the worst day of my medical career. Cause I thought $50 of vaccines could have prevented this all.

[Liz Esley White]

Kennedy's pitch is that he will not be anti vaccine. He will follow the data. But when pressed by Senator Cassidy with this big group of studies which says, hey, there's no link between autism and vaccines, Kennedy came back with a study of his own.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

And there are other studies as well, and I'd love to show those to you.

[Kate Linebaugh]

The study Kennedy cited was funded by an anti vaccine group and it was not peer reviewed. Cassidy wasn't convinced by Kennedy's argument.

[Senator]

And that is why I've been struggling.

[Liz Esley White]

With your nomination, Senator Cassidy. You know, politically it's expedient for him to help President Trump with his nominees. He is up against a primary challenger in Louisiana and he is in danger of losing his seat. And yet he, I'm sure, is wondering, you know, if he votes for Kennedy, if he will end up regretting that if there's an outbreak of infectious disease that is somehow related to dropping vaccination rates. You know, he said he really wants President Trump to have his nominees, but he also wonders if he'd actually be protecting President Trump's legacy more by voting against Kennedy.

[Kate Linebaugh]

And over the weekend, Cassidy came to a decision on his vote. That's coming up after the break.

[Senator Tim Scott]

Foreign.

[Senator Ryan Reynolds]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with the name your price tool from Progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates.

[Senator Tim Scott]

Price and coverage match limited by state law.

[Senator Ryan Reynolds]

Not available in all states.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Around 10:00 this morning, the Senate Finance Committee met to vote on whether to push Kennedy's nomination to the full Senate for confirmation. At the hearing, senators aired their opposing views. Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia spoke about why he opposed the nomination.

[Senator Tim Scott]

At a rally a few months ago, Donald Trump said that he was going to allow Mr. Robert Kennedy to, quote, go Wild on health. Go wild. Of all the things that I can think of that I'd like to see a Secretary of Health and Human Services do, go wild is not on the list.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said the exact opposite.

[Senator]

I hope he goes wild and actually finds a way to reduce the cost of health care.

[Kate Linebaugh]

The committee's 27 members voted along party lines, clearing Kennedy to a final vote. And Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy decided to vote yes on the Senate floor. Later, Cassidy outlined what pushed him over the line.

[Senator]

Mr. Kennedy, the administration committed to a strong role of Congress. Aside from he and I meeting regularly, he will come before the Help Committee on a quarterly basis if requested.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Cassidy said that if confirmed, Kennedy promised that federal vaccine recommendations wouldn't change and that he would allow the Senate Health Committee to choose a representative to be on any board formed to review vaccine safety.

[Senator]

These commitments and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again is the basis of my support.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Now Kennedy's nomination is headed to the full Senate, which hasn't yet scheduled a vote to be confirmed. Kennedy needs 50 votes. The vice President would be a tiebreaker vote. As of this morning, no Republican senator has publicly opposed Kennedy's nomination. But Liz is hearing that some have reservations.

[Liz Esley White]

We think that Senator McConnell, who came out early with a statement in support of the polio vaccine and is himself a polio survivor, is a likely no on Kennedy.

[Kate Linebaugh]

There are also questions about whether Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski will object to Kennedy's nomination. But today's vote is eases Kennedy's path to becoming Health Secretary.

[Liz Esley White]

Now the Senate is trying to think, you know, we've had all these traditional guys in the past. You know, do we want this disruptor, this person who doesn't really fit the mold? Do we like that? Is that what we need to fight something like chronic disease? It's a really a big question of, you know, do we try something new? And then if he doesn't get confirmed, you could say they decided vaccines were too important to be messed with.

[Kate Linebaugh]

Okay, so. So let's imagine that he does get confirmed. He gets the job, and you have to write the headline. What would it be?

[Liz Esley White]

One of America's biggest skeptics of public health agencies and of scientific authorities is now in charge of those institutions. And it is part of this great political reversal of people who, you know, maybe didn't pay attention to politics in the past, now being activated and, you know, getting really excited about someone like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Because of the things that he's saying about food and about vaccines and playing a role then in Donald Trump's election. This is something that the fans of Kennedy say, but I think that they are correct that there's never really been a movement behind an HHS secretary before. It has been quite astonishing to see the Make America Healthy movement come together and fuel this political change.

[Kate Linebaugh]

That's all for today. Tuesday, February 4th. The Journal is a co production of Spotify and the Wall Street Journal. Additional reporting in this episode by Dominique Mossbergen and Christina Peterson. Thanks for listening. See you tomorrow.